Sapient Joins Focus as Partner

Independent fee-based RIA Sapient Private Wealth Management has become a Focus Financial Partner. It is the fourth partner to join Focus Financial Partners, and the eighth deal, including subacquisitions, made by the firm in 2011. Focus’ partner wealth management firms provide a range of services, including benefit and investment consulting services in addition to wealth management, to individuals, families, employers and institutions.

Focus Connections, a consulting service that establishes independent RIAs from wirehouse teams, assisted Sapient’s launch last year, with its leadership team of Greg Erwin, Alan Rexius and King Martin having previously worked together at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. The group has successfully transitioned over 95% of its former clients, and manages over $500 million. Sapient’s clients include high-net-worth individuals, families and institutions throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Rich Gill, vice president and head of Focus Connections, said in a statement, “Sapient has clearly demonstrated the promise of our Connections program—which is designed to move top wirehouse performers to independence. We look for leading teams that are committed to an entrepreneurial spirit and want to serve their clients on an independent basis, and Sapient epitomizes this approach.” The Sapient team has a long history of working together and a collective 91 years of experience in private wealth management services.